Total Recall

While so much was good, there were a few disappointments. The spiced butternut squash ravioli looked like rubbery, floppy jellyfish and tasted like a big pile of Christmas, with too much nutmeg and sage and not enough life to lift them out of their heavy brown-butter-and-bacon sauce. And the desserts -- all of them -- were by far the weakest part of the meal.

But what I'll remember about our dinner is the smoke and the noise and the energy of a crowded, well-lit spot. I'll remember that the good dishes provided an excuse for lingering, for one more conversation, one more strong drink, one more laugh. I'll remember that Brasserie Rouge not only seemed to get most of the food right without even trying, but also provided all the other necessaries that facilitate everything besides the eating.

Sean O'Keefe

The inside story: Brasserie Rouge looks more authentic than an authentic French bistro.

Location Info

Map

Brasserie Rouge

1801 Wynkoop St.
Denver, CO 80202

Category: Restaurant > French

Region: Downtown Denver

Photos

0 user reviews	Write A Review
	0

Details

1801 Wynkoop Street, 303-991-2242. Hours: 5-11 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 5 p.m.-midnight Friday and Saturday

Steak tartare: $9
Pommes frites: $3
Smoked salmon: $10
Charcuterie plate: $12
Goat-cheese salad: $9
Squash ravioli: $13
Duck breast and confit leg: $17
Croque monsieur: $9
Bouillabaisse: $21
Crème brûlée: $6
Profiteroles: $6

Related Content

• Lowry Leeks are prized for their lighter Denver flavor: Kenny Be's Hip Tip
  September 26, 2011
• Little Mike and Crazy Larry on living life and promoting parties in Berlin and New York
  December 16, 2011
• Best places to eat breakfast at DIA (a Thanksgiving gift for you)
  November 23, 2010
• Behind the Bar with Leigh Jones of Jonesy's EatBar
  October 27, 2009
• The Fort's Geoffrey Groditski on his $40,000 mistake, raw bull's balls and how pine nuts make him puke
  February 23, 2011

More About

• Leigh Thompson
• Cracker Jacks
• Boeing B-52 Stratofortress
• Eating Out
• Fruits and Vegetables

Like this Story?

Sign up for the Dining Newsletter: The week's top local food news and events, plus interviews with chefs and restaurant owners, dining tips, and a peek at our print review.

Privacy Policy Cancel Continue

What matters most about a great meal is what we take with us after the bill is paid, all the little things we'll never forget. What we pay for isn't food, but the memory of food -- and sometimes it's only by checking what we stocked away in the larder that we truly realize its value.